Minn Kota Fortrex 101 (2001) - very limited speed/thrust - need advise

[bseger]

Minn Kota Fortrex 101 - limited speed/thrust

i went fishing last Sunday - the trolling motor worked fine all day - absolutely no issues for 6+ hours.

Plugged in and charged M-Tuesday night. Fishing Wednesday after work, step on the button and the prop barely spins.
I thought perhaps i had a bad connection when charging so i charged it again through today, and tested. Same result - prop barely spins.

Kept the charger plugged in and tested (batteries fully charged). Tested batteries and they were 12.6, 12.7 and 12.7 so i hqave to believe the batteries are ok.

There is a 50 amp breaker (2) for the chargers, but not sure how to tell if they are reset or not. i think they auto reset.

so, that's it, trolling motor barely spins, and only for a short period of time.

Any suggestions for trouble shooting?

[ntslam]

It maybe one of the Batteries. A bad battery may show a full charge but fail under load.

[bseger]

would one bad battery affect the functionality like that?

[bseger]

Update: I tested the batteries again today at Auto zone and the batteries are all good.

Checking the trolling motor - no string inside by the prop, but i noticed, the Motor spins for 20 seconds then stops. I tried it multiple times and everytime at 20 seconds it stops.

[ntslam]

I may be totally off but that still seems to me like a battery issue. I have had batteries tested and pass the auto part store test and still be bad. I know it is a pain in the ass but you may have to check each battery individually with a load such as changing each one and try starting a vehicle or the boat motor itself if that is the easiest way or just try to put 3 other batteries in place of the 3 you have now if that is possible. Then that way you can eliminate the battery issue and concentrate on connections or the trolling motor itself.

[Danrude]

Is there a electrical plug or is the connection hard wired? If a plug is used then check the connections, the screws can back out or the wires break and cause a bad connection.

[bseger]

just for record:
Fortrex 101/FC/US2-45” BG360
MODEL 1368690
SER NO L363MK01163

[rocketman6965]

Mr Jones will probably share some knowledge soon. I believe that you run a risk of damaging the board if you don't unplug TOTALLY when charging. I just posted on another thread similar problem. If I "wiggle" speed control knob, it will work but only speeds above 30%. I wanted to replace speed control switch but see it is part of control board. Waiting for reply as well. Good luck!

[bseger]

Took it to a Minn Kota shop last night - trouble shooting determined it was the Control Board Assembly (under the foot pedal). Appreciate everyones input.

Fish on!

[rocketman6965]

Well now I'm afraid that's what mine will be. Remember to unplug when charging. I unplugged but I beat the hell out of my foot control not having it screwed down!!

Took it to a Minn Kota shop last night - trouble shooting determined it was the Control Board Assembly (under the foot pedal). Appreciate everyones input.

Fish on!

[rocketman6965]

Just received my control board upgrade kit from Jones Trolling Motor. This is a complete kit including lower foot plate! As always, it came professionally packaged and on time. Will post results.

[rocketman6965]

Thanks Jones Trolling Motor!!

Hooked everything up last night. Very straightforward with the instructions. Bench tested perfectly. I definitely see increased power throughout speed control. Can't wait to try on the water.

[rocketman6965]

Worked great at Lake on Monday with a couple exceptions.
1) Speed Control Knob is a little stiff. Had to reach down to turn by hand.
2) Was rigging up and motor started going by itself. Tapped on foot switch to stop but did it a few more times.

Hoping speed knob will loosen up in time.
New style foot switch with upgrade kit is a cylindrical looking switch that is pressed in and works with contact from foot cover/button. I was wondering if I "mashed" foot pedal, it would adjust and not make false contact??

Other than that, I'm happy with upgrade.

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Worked great at Lake on Monday with a couple exceptions.
1) Speed Control Knob is a little stiff. Had to reach down to turn by hand.
2) Was rigging up and motor started going by itself. Tapped on foot switch to stop but did it a few more times.

Hoping speed knob will loosen up in time.
New style foot switch with upgrade kit is a cylindrical looking switch that is pressed in and works with contact from foot cover/button. I was wondering if I "mashed" foot pedal, it would adjust and not make false contact??

Other than that, I'm happy with upgrade.

the speed knob will loosen with time. The reed switch consist of a magnet that pulls a still ball up to energize. The reed isn't set "deep" enough into the holder if it is staying turned on. Remove the button and push down on the reed - just a little - til you get it where it doesn't stay on.
John

[rocketman6965]

I figured. Thanks John. You're the best!